ADHD in Older Women
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is a common problem for women in their midlife. Hormonal changes can make the problem worse. They often feel misunderstood and overwhelmed by their struggles.
The hormonal fluctuations that accompany perimenopausal or menopausal changes can intensify emotional dysregulation as well as executive dysfunction that is that are associated with adhd. Exercise and a balanced diet and finding a therapist that is knowledgeable about adhd could help alleviate your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
For women, a diagnosis of ADHD may come later in life than for men. This is due to several reasons, including the fact that women are more likely to present with more inattentive symptoms than hyperactivity (which can be more easily observed by others), they often develop coping mechanisms to disguise these symptoms and hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopausal changes and menopausal cycles can increase symptoms.
A lack of interest in conversations is a typical characteristic of women suffering from ADHD or ADD. This can make it difficult to communicate with others and may increase their impulsivity or lack of attention. Women with ADD/ADHD are also more prone to unhealthy coping habits like shopping, watching TV (especially reality shows) or overeating. Another common symptom of ADHD is the difficulty in remembering names. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including by health issues, aging and menopausal.
Women with ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression than men. Furthermore, women who suffer from ADD/ADHD are more likely to suffer from a variety of other medical conditions and mental health disorders such as eating disorders, tics, fibromyalgia, and PTSD. It is important to treat these conditions in order to control and lessen the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
Women with ADD/ADHD also are more likely to have difficulty getting a good night's sleep when compared to other adults. This can cause exhaustion, which exacerbates symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or poor quality sleep can also make it more difficult to concentrate at work, at school, or on household chores.
Verywell Health notes that many people are confused by "gender" with "ADD/ADHD". However the sex of a person is a matter of biology and gender is a social construct based on an individual's internal perception of their self as female, male or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person's sexual preference or genital anatomy, as well as the chromosomal makeup.
If you suffer from ADD/ADHD or not, there are plenty of tips that can help improve sleep and ease stress. You can improve your sleep and focus by getting regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and making a healthy sleep routine.
Treatment
Women with ADHD face particular challenges when seeking treatment. It is sometimes difficult to spot symptoms within themselves, and it can be more difficult to get the assistance they require. They are also more likely to conceal their ADHD symptoms. This means that they are more likely to receive late diagnoses and less likely to receive treatment as effectively as men.
The difficulties of ADHD are often exacerbated by hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause. The decrease in estrogen and/or progesterone levels can exacerbate emotional dysregulation, and executive functioning issues are often linked to ADHD. The changes in blood circulation that come with age can also lead to cognitive decline, which mimics ADHD symptoms. It's crucial to make sure that health professionals can differentiate between a normal aspect of aging, and ADHD symptoms.
There are a variety of treatments available to people with ADHD. These include lifestyle changes and medications. Good sleep hygiene includes setting a routine prior to bed, avoiding screens and eating regularly can help you sleep better. Exercise is essential. Many people suffering from ADHD discover that meditation or yoga helps them relax. It is important to speak with your doctor about the treatments that are best for you.
Certain people suffering from ADHD can benefit from joining a group for support. These groups provide a safe place to discuss the issues you encounter in your relationships at work, in your relationships, and other areas of your life when you have ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD may also benefit by engaging in group or individual therapy which concentrates on teaching strategies for dealing with their ADHD. Therapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing your negative thoughts for healthier ones.
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing event for women. It can help you understand why you've struggled and can provide you a framework to improve your life. Some people choose to work with a professional coach who will help them develop strategies for coping with stress and set goals for their life.
Self-help
There is a wide selection of professional treatment options for ADHD however, you can improve your condition by taking steps to manage it. These strategies can include self-discipline techniques and lifestyle modifications, as well as therapy or counseling. Many people suffering from ADHD also incorporate stress management techniques as well as home and work adjustments, and changes to their diet into their daily routines. It is crucial to consult with a medical professional prior to starting any of these methods to ensure that they are safe for you and address all of your needs.
The negative impact on family and relationships is a major challenge for women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD or adult-onset ADHD. The misinterpretation and criticism of partners, spouses, and coworkers is common. ADHD symptoms like forgetfulness, missed appointments and impulsive decision-making may also be a source of frustration for the most understanding family members. Couples therapy, classes that emphasize the ability to communicate and resolve conflicts, and other techniques can help.
Some people with ADHD have depression and anxiety which can cause ADHD symptoms. Women may also experience non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that could take the form of cutting, burning, or scratching. NSSI is a very risky symptom that is typically caused by untreated ADHD. It is essential to discuss any concerns you have with your healthcare professional.
It is also typical for women suffering from ADHD to experience feelings of depression, shame or self-pity following being misunderstood or dismissed by others. This can cause lack of motivation, procrastination and a low self-esteem. A support system that can recognize these issues and help you manage these issues can make all the difference in your quality of life.
The different levels of estrogen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopause can impact your ADHD symptoms. Some women notice that their symptoms get worse during these times and require more medication to manage the symptoms. Talk to your healthcare professional about the possibility of a hormone replacement therapy to help control your body's natural production estrogen and reduce the symptoms of ADHD. A ADHD coach can help you develop tailored strategies to meet your goals and feel confident in control of the day-to-day tasks.
Genetics
The the chromosomal makeup of an individual determines the risk of having certain disorders including ADHD. Numerous studies have revealed that genetic links exist between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer or coronary heart disease. parents dying at a certain age and demographics like the number of children in a family, the age of the first child born and the gender of the child at birth. These findings suggest that ADHD is a genetic basis with these conditions, and also indicate that there are common neurobiological processes connecting the two conditions.
Women suffering from ADHD might develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms. This can make it difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat them. add test for women may include putting all their energy into their careers, hiding their problems from loved ones or altering their behavior to conform to social norms. Some of these methods are healthy, however others aren't, and could lead to a sense of exhaustion and overwhelm.
Additionally, mothers and women are typically expected to care for their children due to social and family expectations. The combination of increased expectations, low self-esteem and the difficulties of living with ADHD can be a recipe for depression and anxiety. These emotions can trigger or worsen ADHD-related symptoms such as mood fluctuation, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Some women experience worsening symptoms during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal periods as estrogen levels decrease. This could be due to the fact that the decrease in estrogen can cause seletonin and dopamine levels to drop, which can make ADHD symptoms worse.
Many women describe their ADHD diagnosis as an "lightbulb moment." They are often content that they have an external explanation for their struggles and can now seek help and treatment. In certain instances the diagnosis enables them to forgive themselves for the mishaps they've endured in their lives as a result of their ADHD symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just biology. It can be challenging to separate gender differences between women and men from socially constructed differences in gender. This article is applicable to all women and people born female, regardless of their affirmed gender identity.